Paralleling the Goose

Yesterday Jeff and I ferried over to Swartz Bay terminal near Sidney, BC to scout next weekend's bicycle trip covering the Lochside Trail and the Galloping Goose Trail. However, to be honest, it was really just an excuse to ride motorcycle together, something we haven't done in about 18 years (almost impossible to believe its been that long!).

Our faithful steeds at Fort Rodd National Historic Site.

We rode from the ferry straight through to the Johnson Street Bridge in Victoria as this is Kilometer One of the Goose. Careful consultation of maps followed as we tried to locate the Switch Bridge, an intersection of the Goose with the Lochside Trail. As well as being the start of the Goose, this was also the starting point of my appreciation for my GPS unit. I have a tendency for getting lost in the Victoria region. Sometimes it really seems there isn't a straight road to be found anywhere! I mean, what's the deal with roads changing names after rounding a bend after or after stop signs? But thanks to modern electronic wizardry, I am now calmly guided through such asphalt labyrinths!

The Switch Bridge across the water, at the Galloping Goose/Lochside Trail intersection.

As we fully realized, we wouldn't be able to see much of the bike trail system since we wouldn't be on bicycles this trip, but none-the-less we did see some sights. The first stop after the switch bridge was Fort Rodd National Historic Site. I had only seen it on a map prior to this trip and wasn't aware there was an admission charge, but for only about 4 bucks it was worth it. From the military bunker submerged underground on the hill to the restored lighthouse there was lots to see.

Jeff in the bunker.

The Guard House.

Me at the lighthouse.

The view from the point is spectacular. It was interesting to note the fog bank lingering off shore. We've stayed in Sooke in the Fall on occasion and I remember seeing the same weather feature, but I wasn't expecting to see it so early in September. I don't know if it's normal or not.

A ghost ship on the horizon.

My zoom captured a fairly good shot of this schooner in the distance. 

Unfortunately no access was permitted to the top of the lighthouse.